Faculty book authors honored at reception

Many FIU faculty members spend years researching, writing and meeting with editors to produce a book that will enrich their field. They are devoted teachers and dedicated scholars.

On April 3, the Office of the Provost celebrated their work at the first annual Faculty Book Author reception, sponsored and hosted by Barnes & Noble at FIU. Those honored this year include campus authors and faculty musicians who have published a book or released an album since 2008.

Faculty members in attendance received a pin that said “FIU Book Author” as a symbol of their commitment to scholarship. “We raise our glass in a toast to the creativity and intellect of our faculty,” said Douglas Wartzok, FIU provost and executive vice president, during the evening reception.

Irma Becerra-Fernandez, vice provost for Academic Affairs said, “Writing is a labor of love. From a monetary perspective, though, it’s minimum wage. So we are delighted to be able to recognize their work here. It’s a small gesture but meaningful.”

Honorees enjoyed wine and hors d’oeuvres as they became acquainted with the work of their colleagues. Margo Berman – professor of advertising and public relations and Kauffman Faculty Scholar – and Kathleen Blais, in the College of Nursing and Health Sciences, shared war stories from the publishing world. Blais just finished the sixth edition of Professional Nursing Practice: Concepts and Perspectives, which she co-authored with Janice S. Hayes.

“This is a great payoff after all the work,” said Berman, who has two books featured in the new, permanent bookstore section dedicated to campus authors. Store manager Meaghan Connolly said they’ve ordered more than 200 titles from all over the world on topics ranging from architecture to gender politics in Spain’s Franco dictatorship.

“This permanent collection,” said Becerra-Fernandez, “is a wonderful legacy for our students and alumni.”